File this under “summer fun”.
Bouncies. Or blow ups. Or inflatables. Whatever you want to call them…kids know them by one name…FUN. Our sweet neighbors have a little guy around Will’s age and I think their budding little friendship is the cutest thing ever. Let’s call him Blue. Blue the Cute.
So it was one of Blue’s older cousin’s birthday (catch all that?!) and they invited Will to come over to play on the inflatable. When I say older I also mean larger….as in, all these rough and tough older boys invited my little barely-three guy over to jump, slide, and roughhouse on a huge inflatable slide. To say I was a little hesitant is an understatement. I mean…these big boys probably had 50 pounds on Will. And they play differently. They play violently at times. I know. I had brothers.
But instead of drowning my little guys dreams in the pool (or should I say slide puddle?!), I hitched up my big girl mommy panties, grabbed extra sunscreen and headed over.
If there ever was a moment in his life so far that I thought my little man was growing too fast it was right there and then.
Seeing him play with these older boys nearly brought me to tears. Where did my little baby go!? Why am I so hormonal over him growing up?! And seriously who made him tough with these other kids but if I accidently wipe a rice krispy on his lap, he has a meltdown?!
Somebody needs to pass a law about growing. And stat.
He mostly stayed right by Blue. And even though Blue is a year and a half Will’s senior, my guy hung in there…slide for slide…splash for splash.
At the beginning of the party, Will would sit at the top and slide down properly. By the end he was jumping, twisting, rolling and bouncing.
I guess Blue brought out the bravery in him and me that sunny afternoon.
Will definitely wasn’t timid by the end. Just look at that face. It’s pure aggression. I’m surprised he didn’t try to bite the slide with a face like that.
And me? Well I’m still dying a little inside. Just simply because I realize he’s not even a toddler anymore. He might as well tell me info about his 401k.
Why didn’t anyone tell me that parenting requires so much bravery? Letting go is terrifying. I’ve heard that it’s like your heart is walking around outside of your body…but to me it’s much worse than that. If it was my heart then I could let it go. But it’s not…it’s much scarier.
Side note…I love this next photo because it looks like a Batman shadow. Kapow!
Will darling…this is your mother talking…if you continue with this growing-up business, I will be forced to a grieving state. And I’m not talking about California. (no offense west coasters….the Raiders will be good one day. maybe.)
And Weston…I am never letting you out of the house. Your future wife will get over it.
p.s. I bought RadLab! So exciting! I used the Pool Party filter on all of these pics…which was great because the color casts from the yellow and blue slide were crazy.
::Sniffle::: I feel ya Katie Bower. I almost cried this weekend when my 3-yr old daughter correctly pronounced the word “finger” instead of “kinger” : ( And then she kept doing it, so impressed with herself, everytime my heart broke a little more.
I LOVE these photos! They’re so great, it looks like such a fun day! Am I too old for the slide? Because I want to play too! haha You have some seriously adorable kiddos! And your photography is amazing, you captured the whole feeling of the day, Will’s expressions are priceless.
Oh my goodness you practically had ME in tears, too! I have a 3 1/2 year old little guy but he’s my second, so I’m familiar with that “growing up too fast” feeling. But for some reason it is hitting me full force this time around and has me reeling like crazy. Probably because he’s my last and I can sense all those “firsts” being my “lasts”. As preschool approaches this fall I just know I will be a blubbering mess. As he frolicked (that’s a manly phrase, right?!) in the pool the other day instead of staying right next to me like last year, it hit me hard. He’s not a toddler anymore. Cue mommy tears and huge lump in my throat.
And I know what you mean about playing with the older kids. It’s scary and yet amazing how our little guys just love it – that rough house style of play, that care-free”ness” that they have. Where’s the mommy-bubble when you need it?!
Courage, Katie! This is proof that nobody stops growing, even moms. Embrace the new! And cherish the memories.
Uuhhh! I know what you are feeling! Today is my son’s 3rd birthday, and I’ve noticed over the past 2-3 weeks that he is NOT a toddler anymore! Holy moly! He is a KID!! I don’t know what I’d do if I weren’t due with #2 in September. I love the kid that he is, but I neeeeed a baby!
Oh Katie…I’m right there with you… I’ve been in tears since Thursday when my son finished his final day of preschool… I have no idea how on earth I’m going to let him go to full day Kindergarten in the fall. It breaks my heart every time I imagine letting go enough to entrust him to another person for so many hours of his day… even though I know its what is right for him… it is so, so hard. Sending you mommy courage hugs from Canada and trying to remember that every stage comes with so much fun and beauty along with the heartbreak. <3
I’m right there with you. It’s positively heart wrenching. I tell her all the time to “just stay little.” And now I think I’m going to cry again.
Will is so adventurous!!! I love it….you captured some great moments 🙂
so fun!! will looks like he’s having the time of his life. and i’m guessing his friend blue is really a grey. i’m right, aren’t i?
Geeze, thanks for making me tear up. My little guy is only 5 months and I’m already dreading him growing up.
I am getting all misty over here!! I tell my little one that she needs to stop getting so big… that I am going to pause time and will only hit “play” again when I am good and ready (which would probably be never). It doesn’t seem fair! But give yourself a gold star for letting him play with the big kids and not jumping into protect mode 🙂
My son turns 3 next month and I thought about Kindergarten. Then first grade. Then driving. I lost it. I am reminded by people with older kids (namely my own sister) that yes, one day they won’t want to hug you or even carry on a full conversation!
I love this post. I want one of these inflatable slides at my next birthday. I’ll be 29… there’s not an age limit on fun, right? Although I’m sure there’s a weight limit. Bummer.
I love all the pictures from this post! My favorites are Will’s Batman jump and the picture of Weston at the end. That mustache pacifier just kills me! My kids are 11, 8 & 4. Every day I tell them to stop growing, but they never seem to listen. I think your blog is amazing because it gives you the opportunity to capture so many of these precious moments with your boys that might otherwise turn into distant memories. Good for you, Katie. Keep up the good work!
Your kids are just so stinkin’ cute!! Looks like lots of summer fun right there 🙂
Stay strong! My 8 and 9 year old amaze me every day. Some days I’m sure they don’t need me. Be proud in his ability to cope and be flexible.
As usual, well written my friend. Perfectly timed post Ms Katie…yesterday, my husband and I returned home after our first weekend away (sans little dude) and our 8 month old son (you and I had similar pegnancy timelines. Altough, my man was born a month early and Weston was late) was saying Da-da (WHaaaaaT? We were gone 36 hours!) and this morning we found a teeny tiny poke of a tooth in his mouth (Yowzers). Too fast! Too fast!
“Why didn’t anyone tell me that parenting requires so much bravery? Letting go is terrifying. I’ve heard that it’s like your heart is walking around outside of your body…but to me it’s much worse than that. If it was my heart then I could let it go. But it’s not…it’s much scarier. ”
Truer words have never been spoken!!!
I feel ya sista!! Will is getting entirely too big and I agree it must be stopped. Figure this out and report back ASAP as my little guy must not turn 3. LOL I love seeing his little bravery come out in the pictures and it looks like he was having a blast. I bet that was one awesome nap after all this was over.
My mom always told me when I was young (more toward my teen years) that her success as a parent could be measured by my increasing levels of independence as I was growing up. I now have a 13 and 16 year old and my 16 year old is currently in China (yes, the one on the other side of the earth), on a mission/service trip. Talk about having to let go! Part of me feels the same tugs that you feel, but the major part is super duper proud of her for having the courage, self confidence and strength of character to do that!
I know Will is only three, but I hope you felt the same pride in his ability to master new tasks and the obvious self esteem that can be gathered by conquering something so new and (a little scary I’m sure).
Good luck mom – you’ve got two great boys there!
I feel ya, girl. My little guy will be a year and a half in exactly one month. And he’s growing and maturing way too fast for me. It doesn’t help that he’s already the size of a 2-3 year old. My hubby sent me a picture of him playing in the dirt yesterday and looked like he was 5! Sniffle.
Katie—your comments made me think about a couple of articles my sister-in-law wrote and were published on a website called mamalode. (see links below). She’s got some great thoughts on bravery as a parent. No commentary other than that. Just food for your thoughts. Hope you enjoy!
http://mamalode.com/story/detail/saying-yes/
http://mamalode.com/story/detail/someone-like-you
Katie:
Like I always say…
BLINK! And he will be 21.
Heartbreaking, but true.
Enjoy every minute you can. It will whizz by.
Oh, did I mention…you are a great Mom!!!
B.
I can totally relate…my oldest is now 12 and each year has been a mommy lesson for me. He is now taller than me and has a deep voice…AND girls are interested in him…I die a little each day too….hang in there….boys are the best…
Geez, I’m not even a parent yet and I’m already feeling bittersweet about kiddos “growing up too fast”. The pictures are fantabulous! I love your photographic eye!!
I’m not a commenter – sorry about that, I know it’s kinda weird. But I’m a reader. And first of all, you NAILED it with these photos. (The close up of Will’s face coming down the slide? It doesn’t get better than that.)
But your words. Oh my, your words. My little boy, too, has the audacity to grow up. It’s breaking my heart into tiny pieces and yet, I feel so proud my heart could burst. So now it’s both breaking and bursting? Come on. This gig is hard man, but so so good.
And the last picture of Weston? Perfect ending to the post.
Wow! Where were these blow up slides when I was a kid? That looks great!
i totally get it! i have a 4 yr old and a 3 yr old and i feel like motherhood is a constant state of grieving… grieving no more binky, grieving no more diapers, grieving no more chubby hands, grieving them being able to go to the bathroom without my help or getting dressed on their own. it’s so beautiful and i so want to rejoice in all their accomplishments and next steps, all while grieving the loss of the passing moments. no wonder moms cry all the time! my heart is in a constant state of grief AND rejoicing!
Bouncehouses are AWESOME! They are my son’s favorite. Yes they will grow up and rough house and be boys but he will always be your baby! (Just don’t say it out loud!)
Oh man, I have been having a lot of these days lately. My son turned 3 in February and he is growing by leaps and bounds daily. 🙁
Umm, how come my neighbors never rented kick-ass water slide inflatables when I was a kid??? My daughter is just not old enough for this stuff yet so I haven’t gotten to the sad misty eyed part of letting your child go…I’m still stuck in the remember my youth too well and am jealous because I want to go play stage. It’ll come soon enough I’m sure.
Hey Katie!
What camera do you have? And what types of lenses? I have saved up 3k for camera stuff (took years and I am so happy I’m finally there!) I love all of your photographs so I would love to purchase what you have.
Please let me know!!
Thanks,
Melissa
awwh, so bittersweet! You’re on the verge of full-blown “kid.” If it’s any consolation you are going to have so much fun (noise/mess) to look forward to with two adorable, rambunctious boys (three total?) in the house.
Whoa girl! Congrats! I have the Canon Mark II and the 24-70mm lens (it’s pricey but my workhorse lens), the 50mm 1.4, and the 85mm.
xo – kb
This was the sweetest post and the Batman shadow is adorable. I remember looking at our little girl a few months ago and realizing she wasn’t a baby anymore but instead a toddler. I guess this is the next step for me.
The time will come when you see their little, chubby, squishy hands turn into man hands and then they pledge their undying love to another woman. I know, I know. The circle of life, blah, blah, blah. But, geez! Cut the mother a break with all the dagger to the heart business…..:)
Elizabeth
I hear you Patty, when my son started saying “elbow” instead of “belbow” and my daughter asked me “mom? is it ‘three or free’?” (she’d count, one, two, free)—bummer.
And Katie, wait until they drive away in daddy’s pick up truck for the first time. The cab is hardly big enough to hold their grin.
Obviously this is one of my fav blogs (obviously, right?) so I nominated your blog for a Very Inspiring Blogger award (here: http://paintingsunny.com/2013/06/24/very-inspiring-blogger-award-nominations-my-first-time-nominating-peeps/) XOXO, Dani @ Painting Sunny
The close ups are unbearably cute!
Child-Angie is super jealous of that inflatable set-up. Okay, okay, Adult-Angie is, too.
Aw! He is growing too fast! Love that close up shot of the head first slide.
Thank you so much Dani! That is so sweet of you!
xo – kb
Just wait for elementary school…I was literally sick to my stomach when my eldest started. I had my husband keep me out of the house her whole first day of school because I couldn’t stand to be home without her.
Hugs from one anti- growing up Mommy to another.
Amelia
The “letting go” for me was just trusting God to handle everything. And what happened was – my baby boy went off to college (found out he got in the DAY BEFORE he was to move in!), met a girl, and got married. Still haven’t had a good cry over it (prolly ’cause we love the girl), and have decided that baby girl is NEVER moving out (she’s 14.5) and will live with me forever. (She’s thinking about left coast schools now – we’re in SC!) But it’s gone by waaaaaay to fast for this mama. Your boys are growing so fast, but you’re so blessed to have this blog to journal your memories & photos! They are just darling!
49ers Baby!! We knocked the Falcons out!!! Lol
I think he’s a brown 🙂 irony at its finest 🙂
xo – kb
I love the fact that you say that Weston won’t be leaving the house, yet he’s there with a little mustache lol it made me giggle. Your children are beautiful, and the way that you feel about them growing up is the same way that I feel seeing my younger cousins, and nieces and nephews. It’s bittersweet. Lucky them to have parents like you and your hubby. xo Cindia
Just you wait. Mine are 11 and nearly 8. It gets worse I am afraid. For the first time, I dropped my big girl off at the mall a couple of weeks ago to go shopping with a friend. The mall!!! (disclaimer: it is a very small mall in a very safe area and, even though I dropped them off because I had to go run an errand, I came back and wandered around at a safe distance so they could feel all grown up – all the while slowly dying inside…. sniff sniff)
Honestly, it gets worse as they grow older. My little boy is becoming a young man and is coming into Year 6 (UK school age 10-11) in September. Yesterday he came first out of the whole school at running a cross country mile, I look at him now and cannot believe how once he would never leave my side and I would have to coax him to do anything with other children. He was once the boy who cried if I dared to leave him in a group to have fun! Now he is athletic,a popular boy, hard worker willing to have a go and makes me proud every day, but I still remember as if it was yesterday when I had him, bought him home, the sleepless nights, the coaxing to get him to join in instead of the 10 years ago it really happened. It is true what they say ‘ time flies when you are having fun’!
Enjoy the ride!!
I don’t have children but since I’ve been reading your blog since before Will was born I feel like I’m watching him grow up, too! It looks like he had a ton of fun and I’m glad he was able to “hang” with the big kids 🙂
Katie, I could have written this exact same post (minus the inflatable water slide)! 🙂 My little man will be 3 this fall, but already seeing him grow up has started to be more emotional for me than I ever expected.
We recently went to the beach with him for the first time, and seeing how fearless he was in the water with the waves showed me that he is growing up so much more quickly than I want. We are expecting LO#2, which is a girl, and I recently was sorting through my little man’s clothes that are too small to give away to a friend. I literally was crying the whole time.
Parenting is hard for sure, but also the most rewarding experience ever!! Keep on with real-life posts like this. Love the pics too!!!
FOR REALS!!! Its a cruel joke this growing up stuff! Last fall my oldest started Kindergarten and I spent the whole day wanting to go get him. During the year I wished he had a cell phone so I could text him how much I loved him and hoped he was having a good day lol. I am hoping it gets easier as they get older because at 5, 4 and almost 3 I just want my babies to stay my babies!!! Thanks for the post I am glad I am not alone 😉
Ok, I literally held my breath when i saw him jumping on the top of the slide. HOLY SMOKES the kid has no fear…..(although super cute in the beginning when he was going down the slide on his bum.) Is it bad that I’m 6 months pregnant with my first baby and when I realized that this time next year she’d be 9 months old i started to cry???? She’s not even here yet and I’m sad she’s going to be growing up….Is that just some weird hormonal/pregnant thing???
I’m tearing up just reading this! My own baby boy is now FOUR. They really do grow up SO fast! Your sons are adorable. 🙂
Katie, my just-turned-9-yr-old rode the Zipper this weekend at a carnival we went to. Twice!! Talk about having your heart in your throat!! I swear he looked so much older when he finally got off of it!!
Every one of these pictures are great! The mid-air/Batman ones are the best.
I wish I had some type of advice on “letting go” but I only have a four legged fur child…stay strong dear, it looks like you’re doing a great job of raising them so far!
He’s so beautiful!! My neighbors and good friends have boys about your age, and since I’ve basically been able to watch them grow up so far, I totally get it. It’s mind-blowing to look at that darling little baby and realize it’s a toddler, then to look at that sweet toddler and realize it’s a KID!! But on the flip side, fewer diapers is a plus, right?!
Totally cracking up at the last picture of Weston with his binkie! Adorable! Girl, we are so in the same boat right now. My little guys are 4 and almost 2 and every day I wish that I could slam on the brakes! My husband is constantly correcting me when I refer to our 2 year old as a “baby”, but I keep doing it anyway because I’m in denial about him growing up. Good thing boys love their mamas so much. That “never letting them out of the house” thing is sounding pretty good. 😉 Thanks for sharing these fun pics, Miss Katie! {PS…It is almost scary how much that shadow looks like Batman in the one photo–crazy!} Hope you’re having a wonderful week!
~Abby =)